SHOPPING doesn't have to mean a trip to the supermarket – it can be different.That's the message to consumers in Felixstowe, who were being urged to attend the town's Farmers' Market today to buy their fresh produce and support the local rural economy.

By Richard Cornwell

SHOPPING doesn't have to mean a trip to the supermarket – it can be different.

That's the message to consumers in Felixstowe, who were being urged to attend the town's Farmers' Market today to buy their fresh produce and support the local rural economy.

The event takes place at Deben High School, Garrison Lane, from 9am to 1pm and people will be able to buy a range of goods, such as fruit and vegetables, meat, cakes, jams, cheese and plants.

"Farmers' markets provide an opportunity for producers to develop new products, promote themselves direct to the public and raise awareness of their goods and farming issues. They also help to sustain existing jobs and farms," said Chris Slemmings, Suffolk Coastal cabinet member for the environment.

The general rule of Farmers' Markets is that stallholders have grown, bred, caught, pickled, brewed or baked the goods themselves.

"Food distribution by road is now the fastest growing transport sector in the United Kingdom, a major contributor to vehicle emissions and road congestion and accounts for a quarter of all vehicle miles travelled each year. Farmers' Markets are one way of addressing this problem," said Mr Slemmings.

There will be a Woodbridge Farmers' Market at The Community Hall (next to Deben Pool), on May 11.

WEBLINKS: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/infor/farmers.html

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